Ladak Pika

About this species

Size

Body 18–23cm

Diet

Roots and other plants; probably roots such as Primulaceae in winter

Habitat

Valleys at about 4,300–5,450m; burrows

Range

Northern India, north-eastern Pakistan and western China

The Ladak pika, or Ladakh pika, is named for the Ladakh region and is commonly found in valleys of the mountain ranges from Pakistan through India to China, at about 4,300–5,450 m. Adults are 18–23 cm long. The fur is light brown-grey with a yellow-white underside, and the outer sides of the ears are rust-coloured. Before it was recognised as a separate species, specimens were thought to be plateau pikas (Wikipedia, general species account).

It digs burrows and is herbivorous, and is thought to eat roots, such as those of the primrose family, through the winter. It lives in territorial family groups and reproduces in late June and early July. The cached account gives no litter size or gestation information (Wikipedia, general species account).

Description: Wildlife of India guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)